scarcity

noun

scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sə-tē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
-stē
plural scarcities
: the quality or state of being scarce
especially : want of provisions for the support of life

Examples of scarcity in a Sentence

Scarcity of food forced the herds to move. the scarcity of good restaurants around here is surprising
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China’s previous retirement age was set at a time of widespread scarcity and impoverishment, before market reforms brought comparative wealth and rapid improvements in nutrition, health and living conditions. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune Asia, 17 Jan. 2025 Children who learn to view money as a tool rather than a source of stress are more likely to save, invest, and break cycles of scarcity. Andre Jean-Pierre, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Los Angeles has access to more than enough water to fight the fires, says Mark Gold, director of water scarcity solutions at the non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council and a member of L.A.'s Metropolitan Water District Board, founded in 1928. Julia Simon, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025 On top of that, California is experiencing long-term changes in its climate that are poised to expand and worsen wildfire risk while exacerbating water scarcity. Umair Irfan, Vox, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for scarcity 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scarcity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scarcity

Cite this Entry

“Scarcity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarcity. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

scarcity

noun
scar·​ci·​ty ˈsker-sət-ē How to pronounce scarcity (audio)
ˈskar-
plural scarcities
: the quality or state of being scarce : a very small supply

More from Merriam-Webster on scarcity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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